Wasted - The Story of Food Waste Jan, 29

Movie Trailer (click here)
(Content warning: Some strong language)

FREE, but please consider bringing a donation of a high-priority item from this list for Our Neighbors' Table.

WHEN: Wed., January 29, 6:00-8:30 pm

WHERE: HC Media Studio 101, Haverhill
located at 2 Merrimack Street

Note: Do NOT go to the Elm St. location. That is just their office. The film will be shown at the 2 Merrimack St. location)

Parking: Goecke Parking garage
at 86 Merrimack Street, Haverhill
(Parking is $0.50 per hour until 8:00 pm)

For other parking options, please see the City of Haverhill's website here.

Summary: 
WASTED! THE STORY OF FOOD WASTE aims to change the way people buy, cook, recycle, and eat food. Through the the eyes of chef-heroes like Bourdain, Dan Barber, Mario Batali, Massimo Bottura, and Danny Bowien, audiences will see how the world’s most influential chefs make the most of every kind of food, transforming what most people consider scraps into incredible dishes that create a more secure food system. WASTED! exposes the criminality of food waste and how it’s directly contributing to climate change and shows ushow each of us can make small changes – all of them delicious – to solve one of the greatest problems of the 21st Century. 

Polyfaces film - Regenerative Agriculture Feb, 20

Polyfaces film visits farmer Joel Salatin, the self-described "lunatic farmer" first featured in Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma, and his family on their farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with local regenerative farmers from Cedar Rock Gardens in Gloucester.

WHEN: Thurs., February 20, 5:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: Salisbury Public Library Meeting Room, Salisbury

FREE

Content Warning: This film shows footage of farm animal processing (chickens, turkeys, rabbits) for meat production in a straightforward manner that might be upsetting for some viewers. The segments that show this are short.

Image: polyfacefarms.com

Snowy Woods Walk or Snowshoe Feb, 20

WHERE: Greenbelt's Mehaffey Farm Trailhead & Willowdale West, Rowley
Please RSVP for parking details. DO NOT drive onto the farm itself.  

WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 9:30-11:30 am

Please bring your own snowshoes. We have limited pairs to loan out-- if you need to borrow a pair, please contact jane@ecga.org to inquire about availability.

Winter Wander Feb, 23

WHERE: Castle Neck River Reservation, Ipswich

WHEN: Sunday, February 23, 1:00-3:00 pm

If there is enough snow on the ground, we will snowshoe!
We have limited snowshoes to loan out. If you need to borrow a pair, please contact jane@ecga.org to inquire about availability.  

Women in Agriculture panel discussion Feb, 27

WHERE: Gould Barn, Topsfield

WHEN: Thursday, February 27, 6:30-8:00 pm

FREE. Please RSVP.

Winter Wildlife Feb, 29

Follow in the tracks of mice, deer, hawks, owls and more!  FREE

Indian Hill Conservation Area | West Newbury

DATE CHANGE:
February 29, Saturday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Greenbelt Book Club 2 Mar, 10

WHERE: Georgetown Peabody Public Library, Georgetown

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 10:00-11:30 am

Please read The Overstory and come to the meeting prepared with thoughts, questions, and insights about the book!

Note: This book is a work of fiction and contains occasional strong language and sexual references. However, it won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for fiction and we think it's worth a read! 

Edible Cities Mar, 11

WHERE: Lawrence Public Library, Lawrence

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 6:00-7:30 pm

FREE. Please RSVP. 

Photo: EcoPhotography

Discovering State Lands Mar, 19

WHERE: Boxford State Forest, Boxford
Sharpner's Pond Rd. entrance

WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 9:30-11:30 am

Eyes on Owls Mar, 19

Encounter six live owls up close in the studio barn. 

Cost:  $10 for members |  $18 for non-members
Coupon code: GreenbeltMember

Cox Reservation
82 Eastern Ave., Essex

March 19, Thursday,  6:00 - 7:30pm

Forest Family Workshop Mar, 21

Use all your senses to find or renew your family's connection with nature.  All levels of outdoor experience welcome.  FREE

Cox Reservation | Essex

March 21, Saturday, 1:00 - 3:00pm

Woods and Water Walk Mar, 22

WHERE: Mill Pond Recreation Area, West Newbury
Please RSVP to get parking location updates.

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1:00-3:00 pm   

North Andover Farm Stories Mar, 26

WHERE: North Parish Church, North Andover

WHEN: Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

FREE. Please RSVP.   

Photo: "Troubles" the cow, by Ben Osgood.
(You'll have to come to the event to find out why she is named Troubles!)

Health Hunger and Food Access Mar, 29

WHERE: Cape Ann Museum auditorium, Gloucester

WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 1:30-3:30 pm
(Please note: time changed from printed materials)

FREE. Please consider bringing a non-perishable donation for The Open Door or The Food Project, our two hunger relief organizations who will be co-hosting this event.

Thank you to Cape Ann Museum for hosting us!

Animal Tracking Workshop Part 1 Apr, 01

WHERE: Cox Reservation, Essex
Conference Room

WHEN: Wednesday, April 1, 9:30-11:00 am

This day's workshop is in the classroom. Please sign up for part 2, out in the field, as well!

This workshop is intended for adults, but younger people who are interested in tracking are welcome. 

Questions? Email jane@ecga.org

Big Night Salamander Swarm - date TBA Apr, 01

WHAT: In early spring, several species of salamander migrate from the upland woods where they spent the winter, down to the same vernal pool where they were born, to mate and lay a new generation of eggs. This is an incredible opportunity to observe swarms of beautiful salamanders that are usually hard to spot-- like the blue spotted salamander. This migration night is called "Big Night."

WHERE: A vernal pool in Essex County! The location will be determined by the weather, rainfall amounts, etc. Check out the state's map of certified vernal pools here for a sneak peek at some of the sites we'll be monitoring...

WHEN: "Big Night"! Scientists never know ahead of time exactly which night will be the swarm! Conditions (rain, temperature) need to be just right. In Essex County, it's usually late march to early-April, on the first rainy night over 45 degrees Fahrenheit. We'll give everyone as much advance notice as we can.

HOW: We will email everyone on Big Night, so start checking your email on evenings when the conditions might be just right...! We'll try to give you a heads up a few days before if the weather forecast indicates a likely night. Stage your boots, flashlight, and raincoat near the door and be ready to go! 

Greenbelt staff and our partners at Cell Signaling Technology are really excited to share this amazing outing with you!

Salamander Swarm (ACTUAL DATE TBA) Apr, 01

DATE & LOCATION TBA IN APRIL

With Cell Signaling Technology

One rainy evening...

Sign up to get notified of the salamander migration, then join us with flashlights to see them swarm.   FREE

Animal Tracking Workshop Part 2 Apr, 02

WHERE: Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowley

WHEN:  Thursday, April 2, 9:30-11:00 am

This day's workshop is in the field. Please sign up for part 1, in the classroom, to prepare for today's class!

Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof footwear.

This workshop is intended for adults, but younger people who are interested in tracking are welcome. 

Questions? Email jane@ecga.org

Vernal Pond Field Trip Apr, 04

WHERE: Tompson Street Reservation, Gloucester
Please RSVP to get parking location updates

WHEN: Saturday, April 4, 10:00-11:30 am

Ancient History Hike Apr, 05

WHERE: Maudslay State Park, Newburyport

WHEN: Sunday, April 5, 1:00-3:00 pm

Guides Mary Gage and James Gage will lead us through the park and discuss the ceremonial earthworks that can be found there. Click here to visit our guides' website where you'll learn about their research into stone and earthen structures all over New England and beyond. 

Woodland Wander Apr, 16

WHERE: Glennie Woodlot and Town Farm Conservation Area, North Andover

Please RSVP to get updates on parking location.

WHEN: Thursday, April 16, 9:30-11:30 am  

Just a Dream - Special Arbor Day Book Signing Apr, 25

RSVPs are required for this event.
WHERE: Cox Reservation Studio Barn

82 Eastern Ave., Essex

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

WHAT: A reading of Just a Dream by author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, followed by a book signing.*

Greenbelt will then conduct a ceremonial tree planting on Cox Reservation and each child will receive a free tree seedling to take home and plant themselves. (Greenbelt's Stewardship Assistant Dave McKinnon will be on hand to give instructions and answer questions, don't worry!)

IMPORTANT: Space is limited for the reading and book signing-- All members of your party must RSVP to attend and bring your printed ticket receipt with you (or show us on your mobile device to save some paper!). We need an actual count of people in the studio barn, so if you are a parent, please indicate the total number of people in your family who will be attending.

The event and tree seedlings are FREE. You may choose to purchase a copy of Just a Dream at the event (cash, check or credit cards accepted).

*Mr. Van Allsburg will not be able to sign more than one book per child or two books for individual adult attending. Because we expect this event to fill up quickly, Mr. Van Allsburg will only be signing Just a Dream at the event, not other books, so that he will have time to sign for everyone who attends.

Just a Dream - Special Arbor Day Book Signing Apr, 25

RSVPs are required for this event.
WHERE: Cox Reservation Studio Barn

82 Eastern Ave., Essex

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 

WHAT: A reading of Just a Dream by author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg, followed by a book signing.*

Greenbelt will then conduct a ceremonial tree planting on Cox Reservation and each child will receive a free tree seedling to take home and plant themselves. (Greenbelt's Stewardship Assistant Dave McKinnon will be on hand to give instructions and answer questions, don't worry!)

IMPORTANT: Space is limited for the reading and book signing-- All members of your party must RSVP to attend and bring your printed ticket receipt with you (or show us on your mobile device to save some paper!). We need an actual count of people in the studio barn, so if you are a parent, please indicate the total number of people in your family who will be attending.

The event and tree seedlings are FREE. You may choose to purchase a copy of Just a Dream at the event (cash, check or credit cards accepted).

*Mr. Van Allsburg will not be able to sign more than one book per child or two books for individual adult attending. Because we expect this event to fill up quickly, Mr. Van Allsburg will only be signing Just a Dream at the event, not other books, so that he will have time to sign for everyone who attends.  

Stone Tower Hike May, 02

WHERE: Lynn Woods, Pennybrook Rd entrance, Lynn 

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 1:00-3:00 pm

WHAT: Join Greenbelt and Lynn Woods Ranger Dan to hike up to Dungeon Rock and then to the Stone Tower for views of Boston and the North Shore.

Global Big Day Bird Counting May, 09

WHERE: All properties and trails!
Here are some of our favorites for birding:
Carter Fields, Boxford
Green Meadows, Hamilton
Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Rowley
Castle Neck River Reservation, Ipswich
Sally Weatherall Reservation, Ipswich
Alt Reservation, Beverly
Wet Meadows, Newbury
Hans Morris Reservation, Newbury
Baypoint Riverfront, Haverhill
Allyn Cox Reservation, Essex

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, all day

WHAT: Global Big Day is a citizen science event that happens all over the world! Head to your favorite birding spot, observe and count the bird species you see, then report it on ebird to be part of the fun!

Photo credit: Craig Gibson

Birds and Bees and Butterflies May, 16

with Essex County Beekeepers' Association

Learn about the lives of birds, bees and butterflies at this fun family outing.  Fun crafts, snacks, games and more.  FREE

Cox Reservation | Essex

May 16, Saturday, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Birds Bees and Butterflies May, 16

WHERE: Cox Reservation
82 Eastern Ave.
Essex, MA

WHEN: Saturday, May 16
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

WHAT: Greenbelt, Essex County Beekeepers Association, and North Shore Nature Programs will host activities for kids and families:
-Greenbelt Beehive Opening (watch from a mesh-enclosed tent to comfortably observe the bees up close!)
-Honey extraction and tasting!
-Beeswax craft demonstration
-Glass-walled observation hive
-Catch, observe, and release insect activities in the field
-Make a mason bee house for your home
-Scavenger hunt around the property
-More crafts, activities and snacks!
FREE

Whales Jaw Hike May, 28

WHERE: Dogtown, Gloucester
Summit Ave. parking area

WHEN: Thursday, May 28, 9:30-Noon

WHAT: Hike with Greenbelt's Stewardship Assistant Dave McKinnon to learn about the flora, fauna, and history of Dogtown. This hike is longer than our usual Thursday hikes, so please be prepared to walk for 3 hours (no drop points). Contact jane@ecga.org if you have questions about the difficulty of the walk. Thanks!

National Trails Day Jun, 01

WHERE: All properties and trails!

WHEN: June 1, 2020 National Trails Day

WHAT: Activities TBA

If you do a trail clean-up, post a photo on Instagram and tag us! @ecgreenbelt #wearegreenbelt

Art in the Barn 2020 Jun, 12

Art in the Barn is a fine art show with part of the proceeds supporting Greenbelt's land conservation work.

Paintings, pastels, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, woodcraft, and more!

Parking and admission are free.

WHERE: Allyn Cox Reservation
82 Eastern Ave.
Essex, MA

WHEN: June 12-13, 2020
Updated hours coming soon! Check https://ecga.org/artinthebarn for updates!

Want to submit your work for the show?
This is a juried show. Please email jane@ecga.org to be put on our outreach list and get an update when our jury call goes out in early 2020.

The jury makes its decisions in late April.

Exploring Reptiles Jul, 18

Find turtles, observe their nests, and follow in their footprints to learn how they live.  FREE

Arthur Ewell Reservation | Rowley

July 18, Saturday, 1:00-3:00pm

Creepy Critters Oct, 17

Look for signs of owls, coyotes, spiders, bats and other spooky creatures.  FREE

Echo Reservation | Ipswich

October 17, Saturday, 1:00-3:00pm

Winter Break Outdoor Fun Dec, 28

With North Shore Nature Programs

Week of December 28

Keep warm with fun activities exploring Cox Reservation this winter break.  Schedule & Cost TBA.

Cox Reservation | Essex

Schedule and costs to be announced.